Lions All-Grit Team: Defensive End

Robert Porcher (1992-2003)

A first-round pick of the Lions in 1992, Porcher was a career-long Lion who made three Pro Bowls and was one of the team's most productive defenders of his era. He had just one sack in his first season, but developed into a very thorough pass-rusher over the course of his career.

Porcher had his first true breakout season in 1997, when he logged 12.5 sacks to earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career. He would make two more Pro Bowls, including a 1999 season in which he had 15 sacks.

The South Carolina native finished his career ranked seventh in Lions history with 673 tackles and has 95.5 career sacks. His legacy continues off the field, as the organization awarded its Man of the Year annually as the 'Robert Porcher Man of the Year.'

Ezekiel 'Ziggy' Ansah (2013-2018)

A native of Ghana who attended BYU, Ansah was drafted fifth overall in the 2013 draft. He was an instant contributor, producing eight sacks in his rookie season as he took on a big role within a defensive line that featured Ndamukong Suh.

After a strong sophomore campaign, Ansah asserted himself as one of the best talents at his position with a 14.5 sack performance in 2015. This included a 3.5 sack showing against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately for Ansah, that success was not to be replicated. He had just two sacks the following year. While he bounced back with 12.5 sacks in 2017, he played in just seven games with four sacks in 2018 and wound up signing with the Seattle Seahawks the following offseason.

Aidan Hutchinson (2022-Present)

The Lions' latest foundational defensive end is Hutchinson, whom they drafted second overall in 2022. Hutchinson recorded three sacks in just his second career game, announcing his presence as one of the league's elite young pass-rushers.

In addition to his 9.5 sacks as a rookie, Hutchinson also showcased his athleticism with three interceptions. The following year, he overcame a slow start to finish with 11.5 sacks and added another interception to his tally.

Hutchinson was on pace to have a record showing in 2024 before his season ended abruptly due to a broken leg. Had he not suffered the injury, he was on pace to challenge Strahan's record for single-season sacks.

Even with the injury, Hutchinson was rehabbing with the intention of returning for the Super Bowl had the Lions made it last season.

Now, he's focused on proving that his dominant start to last season was no fluke.

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